H1N1 cases double in one week. It was destined to escalate as soon as enough were infected.

Vaccine are entering trials, but, the WHO stated there can be no compromise on safety.

In the meantime, Glaxo is raking in the bucks on Relenza.

GlaxoSmithKline Targets Production Of 190 Million Treatment Of H1N1 Drug By End Of 2009 (click here)
July 23, 2009 12:38 p.m. EST

AHN Staff
London, England (AHN) - Drug multinational firm GlaxoSmithKline will produce by the end of 2009 190 million treatment courses of Relenza, an Influenza A (H1N1) medication. GSK will also develop a new adjuvanted H1N1 vaccine, the company announced Wednesday as it disclosed a 2009 second quarter turnover decline of 2 percent...

UPDATE 1-EU agency begins review of H1N1 flu vaccine data (click here)
Fri Jul 24, 2009 8:00am EDT
LONDON, July 24 (Reuters) - Europe's drug watchdog has begun reviewing data on pandemic flu vaccines with the goal of getting medicines to protect against the H1N1 virus approved before flu season starts in the Northern Hemisphere, likely in September.
The European Medicines Agency said on Friday it would speed the review of data -- which began in July -- as vaccine manufacturers make them available....

Swine flu: 100,000 infected in a week (click here)
Swine flu infected at least 100,000 Britons last week, officials announced on Thursday.
By Rebecca Smith, Medical Editor
Published: 7:00AM BST 24 Jul 2009
Sir Liam Donaldson, the Chief Medical Officer, said there were now 840 patients in hospital in England with swine flu, 63 of them in intensive care.
Children are being hit hardest, with relatively few cases amongst the elderly, as it is thought they may have some immunity to the H1N1 virus from previous pandemics.
There are 169 children under the age of five in hospital, with 12 in intensive care.
Officials said 26 people were confirmed to have died after contracting swine flu. Children under 15 accounted for a third of deaths, while around one in seven victims was previously in good health....

It doesn't take much to spread flu. Now, the 'usual' flu season is going to be coming around. I don't know, this is going to be rough. Everyone played 'the Bush Gamble.' Ah, it aint' nothin,' it will be just like the regular flu and go away. Now, there is going to be twice as much danger to everyone.

H1N1 is known to have a higher morbidity component wtih the obese and now we know it causes seizures in children. I am curious where it is settling in children. It must be in the myalin, although I would not anticpate that, but, it has a predisposition to fatty tissue. I am thinking it could be a long term issue for children and wonder if some of those issues might lead to MS as well as permanent seizure disorders.

When are people going to learn to listen when they are told it is a serious problem? Huh? When? When it is too late, evidently.

It is a shame it wasn't contained. It wasn't as if the WHO didn't try. It was that people didn't listen. They listened to morons that didn't want to spend money on containment or slow down commerce or cause people to stay home rather than travel. Amazing. People's lives are put in danger for the sake of commerce. I don't know, maybe the WHO needs to issue quarantine orders.

Swine flu pandemic now 'unstoppable': WHO official (click here)
New study, deaths raise concerns as vaccine race goes on
The swine flu pandemic has grown "unstoppable" and all nations will need access to vaccines, a WHO official said Monday, as 12 new deaths were reported and a study raised fresh concerns.
Britain, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, the Philippines and Thailand all reported deaths on Monday, while Saudi Arabia shut an international school after 20 students were diagnosed with the A(H1N1) virus.
As the death toll increased, the World Health Organization official said a swine flu vaccine should be available as early as September and all countries would need to be able to protect themselves....

Independents Beware. You have to watch what you say. Yep.

That was according to Curtis Wright on The Morning Beat in Wilmington, NC. It may sound like a local issue,but, most of these folks are nationally syndicated.

　

So, considering the remorse Independents are having I thought I'd give them a hand with the messages of their 'commentators.'

　

According to what I am hearing, there are supposed to be 'controlled responses' to the anticipated demise of National Health Care Reform. Those controlled verbal responses go like this.

　

As a side note, I find this mess fascinating. They are some of the most diabolical men I have ever heard speak. It is one thing to have 'factual talking points;' it is another thing to simply attempt to 'create' an understanding of facts and then out right lie.

　

So, I think the Independents need to get their ducks in order if they are going to be good and devoted listeners to these men. And NO, there are no women, except as dutiful counter parts within the broadcast that don't speak until they are spoken to.

　

First thing the Independents need to understand is that they aren't Independents anymore, they are, according to 'Good Ole Curt' OTHER DEMOCRATS. That's right, in one fell swoop of the spoken word according to Curtis there are no more Independents, there are only OTHER DEMOCRATS.

　

Okay? So, that is your first lie. Don't be calling yourself Independents, even on telephone polls, because you are no longer. What Independents are in the year 2009 are the new OTHER DEMOCRATS. Kindly get that right or you won't fit in.

Of course the rational for such lies is a bit obscure, but, here is my best guess. If people that happen to be listeing, and know their own minds and have made up their minds to declare themselves as Democrats they might be swayed by such things. So, the Independents that are now OTHER DEMOCRATS have more power if they are no longer Independents and act in a matter that dictates criticism by others called, "Which ever way the wind blows." Being an OTHER DEMOCRAT gives any Independent more validity in the real world.

The other thing OTHER DEMOCRATS need to remember is that you never, ever state any American doesn't spend their money wisely. Those in criticism of the National Health Care Reform legislation should never consider others irresponsible in their spending habits and unable to pay they health care bills for that reason. Remember that now. Don't say such things.

　

This is what you do have to say, according to Curtis.

In the world according to Curtis, the primary problem with the National Health Care Reform legislation, is that 'One Group of People will be paying for another group of people and that is Unamerican." Got that? Don't fail Curtis now.

See, the thing is this. Even though other folks haven't got the money to pay for their health care there is no reason why those that approve of bank bailouts should have to pay the cost. You know how that is. Right? I mean anyone that is an OTHER DEMOCRAT knows how important it is to keep very dime you can accumulate while reaching beyond that and hauling out billions upon billions more from the USA Treasury. Surely, everyone that is an OTHER DEMOCRAT understands that.

So, for the folks that accumulate all their wealth on the backs of those that cannot afford health care, it is better to say, "It is Unamerican to have one group of people pay for another group of people." It's better PR for all you OTHER DEMOCRATS.

　

My perspective is, of course, of no consequence to OTHER DEMOCRATS, so I'll put it out there for the 'hell' of it. Oops, I said a bad word. I guess I'm a grown up and can fathom such concepts without fear.

I look at it this way.

I believe the people of this nation are basically good people. That isn't PR. They do all sorts of things to try to make ends meet. They work multiple jobs, they join the military and they love their kids. I don't believe for one minute there is a person out there if given the opportunity to pay for every aspect of their life that they won't choose to do it.

　

So, when issues come up regarding 'basic necessities,; such as clean water, nutrious foods, education to one's potential and health care; as one good person to another I have to look realistically at what is possible to fulfill those needs. Because if we are to be a strong country with a ready workforce and viable economy we need to meet people's basic necessities. Health care is one of them. And if getting people 'used to' being attentive to annual health care check ups is a part of that, then it is simply a part of that.

That is called morality. It 'fits' well into my life and I would like to think I contribute the best outcome of fellow Americans as best I can. And if, there is an adversity in my life that demands compassion to dominate need, then I hope other Americans will recognize the morality I exhibited toward them.

No, I don't put 'the dollar' before every conscience decision I make. But. Then. I am not an OTHER DEMOCRAT.

54% favor Health Care Reform - I believe the nation trusts the President.

If people view the Health Care Bill neutrally (29%), they see no reason to oppose it.

I don't know where the insight of analysts otherwise comes from and with 39% feeling negatively impacted, that leaves 6% undecided.

I do not believe most Americans want this measure postponed or defeated.

It would seem as though Independents have a difficult time holding onto the idea of success and are more effected by Conservative opinions regarding fiscal viability of programs than one would expect. I think that is sad.

The Independents that voted so well in November 2008 are part of a historical Presidency that is actually solving problems. Their 'issue' with this President is still very unclear. There is no reason to doubt President Obama's sincerity, patriotism or agenda. He hasn't surprised anyone with the proposed legislation to date.

The nation decided overwhelmingly to back a Democratic majority with an intelligent and insightful President. The Independents are just a mess aren't they? There is no reason to be this distraught over a decision for a President that is overwhelmingly 'good' for this country.

Thank you, Senator Graham. Judge Sotomayor is eminantly qualified. She is also an exciting nomination.

In an announcement yesterday, Senator Leahy stated there is a week delay in the vote, but, Judge Sotomayor will be taking a seat on the Supreme Court in September 2009 (click here) when they reconvene. She will be seated to a very busy agenda.

Senator Graham is among those that had enough confidence in recognizing her ability to confirm her nomination.

I think it went very well and the pace at which Judge David Souter's replacement was decided by all those involved is admirable. Not to deny there were some interesting issues along the way, but, learning about political bias is necessary to be able to adequately address it, now and in the future.

I believe she will be a magnificent judge and one that will bring pride to the Supreme Court as well as balance. Well done.

Cochran Will Vote Against Sotomayor (click here)

...Among current members, Sens. Sam Brownback (R-KS), Mike Enzi (R-WY), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Jon Kyl (R-AZ), John McCain (R-AZ), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Pat Roberts (R-KS), Jeff Sessions (R-AL) and Richard Shelby (R-AL) all voted against Sotomayor in '98. Brownback, Inhofe, Kyl, McConnell and Roberts have each said they will again vote no.

Refugee camps are not new to the region of Afghanistan and Pakistan. That just might be the problem.

Pakistan’s Swat Refugees Face Disease Threat, Need Aid, UN Says (click title to entry - thank you)
By Paul Tighe and Khalid Qayum
July 3 (Bloomberg) -- Pakistan’s 2 million refugees displaced by fighting in the northwestern Swat Valley are facing the threat of disease as they cope with damaged water and sewage systems in towns and villages, the United Nations said....


PESHAWAR, Pakistan—An Afghan girl at Nasir Bagh refugee camp, 1984. © Steve McCurry

No worthy collection of seminal photography would ignore this iconic picture by McCurry. National Geographic made it big and this is really just a beautiful picture. Her eyes are incredible.

Of course the best way to end any suffering of the peoples of this region is to stop the violence that accompanies the prolonged dominance of The Taliban. However, we know that where poverty exists there also exists the opportunity for such religious extremists to dominate the populous with threats and actual violence.

In addition, while charity is supposed to be at the heart of any religion and exists as one of the pillars of Islam, there is very little charity in bringing these people relief from the disease that accompanies poverty.

If The West is to succeed in ridding the region of extremist groups that act as direct threats to national security, then the needs of people in the refugee camps need to be addressed. We will not be solving our national security issues if the people of Pakistan and Afghanistan stand in ridicule of their personal tragedies caused by our strategic decisions.

There is a lot to be done, far more than is possible in raising these people out of poverty, such as schools, employment and infrastructure, but, if their lives aren't sustainable because preventable diseases are eradicated then they will never be able to salvage their lives and their countries. We will be right back where we started if the region is not stable and the suffering doesn't stop.

All too frequently we hear how our military is causing more problems with the people of these nations than their governments can handle. One of the reasons that is an issue is due to the intolerable suffering of their people. This struggle with The Taliban and groups such as al Qaeda has gone on all too long. In providing measurable and effective relief to their daily lives they will be able to sustain strategic goals to secure their nations and stablize the region.

As part of our strategy, our State Department needs to coordinate relief efforts and promote assistance to these people. There are people that are more than willing to do the work and with economic distress throughout the global community generousity is difficult to come by. We have to make the people caught up in these communities a priority. It just may be that they need to stop living in 'temporary' communities and resolve to make their homes where they live today. If they are safe, they need to try to prosper and live where that safety net can exist for them.

Longing to return home may be unrealistic for some time and only provides a venue for the growth of discontent and dangerous conditions, including the lack of sewage and clean water.

Situation dire for Pakistani refugees (click here)
Bronwyn Curran, Foreign Correspondent
Last Updated: June 23. 2009 12:40AM UAE
June 22. 2009 8:40PM GMT
...The United Nations has appealed for $532m to help shelter, feed and provide clean water and medicines for what it says is the world’s worst refugee crisis since Rwanda in the 1990s. So far only 35.5 per cent of the funding request has been met, making this humanitarian effort one of the most under-funded in recent history, Abdul Aziz Arrukban, a former Saudi transport company director, said....


This Afghan refugee camp in Jallozai, Pakistan, is one of many set up in the country to accommodate millions of Afghans who fled their war-torn country beginning in the 1980s. Many Afghans also fled to camps in Iran or were displaced within Afghanistan.

I would like to congratulate everyone for saving lives today. Thank you.

Everyday that we don't have comprehensive health care for the nation, people are sicker at the hand of private health care. I am not willing to delay.

Representative Mike Ross of Arkansas. A Blue Dog Democrat. His district elected him to solve their problems. Arkansas is the poorest state in the nation. They need this health care bill more than any other state and while fiscal responsibility is important, and it definately is, the well being of his constituency has to come first.

According to Politico (click title to entry - thank you) the Blue Dog Democrats have reached an agreement with President Obama. It is a good agreement that will include a committee to oversee the cost of the nation's health care and concentrate on trimming costs. I think it is a great idea. But, we simply cannot delay a vote one more day. I am sorry, but, the reality is that the American people need this legislation and soon.

The Blue Dog Democrats have also been a 'target' by Talk Radio. They are hearing from a nation of scared people that have been placed in the middle of an unneeded debate. Only over the last week, Talk Radio asked their listeners from across the fifty states to target the seven Blue Dog Democrats to form a wedge to the President's Health Care Initiative. Their offices aren't even receiving calls, emails and letters from their own constituency, so much as people outside their constituencies.

Talk Radio has to be dealt with. They have managed to scare the people of this country into their corner and it is a shame. I literally heard a man speaking with a 'commentator' yesterday evening that was simply scared half out of his wits. He nearly begged for forgiveness in voting for Democrats in the past election and then pledged to 'bring down' the President and the Speaker of the House. I felt bad for him. He had made the best choice in November of 2008 and now he was feeling as though he was bamboozled into electing a socialist and possibly a Marxist. After eviscerating himself over Talk Radio he was rewarded by the 'commentator' with an autographed, free copy of his lastest book. I mean, like, ??? what is that mess ???

It is my opinion The Blue Dog Democrats did themselves proud. They brought a perspective to the legislation that will result in a monitoring to reduce the cost to the nation. I think they have a great idea. The country should know how the new Health Care Initiative is taking shape and its effectiveness on delivering the nation from the Republican disaster of nearly thirty years of neglect.

But, we need to get this done and with oversight to the program there is no reason to continue to delay. Every person in the USA does not need to 'understand' every intricacy of the legislation or how it will all play out. The nation needs to prepare themselves for a dynamic new health care industry that will turn the corner on current gaps in care and begin a new era of research to solve the nation's problems.

The USA has become accustomed to people in elected office 'scamming' them. They have had their 'trust' violated on many occassion over thirty years only to have their quality of life take a negative path. The last eight years served to undermine the trust of the nation in their own decision making and that has to be the most egregious of the reality that the nation faces today. Why the questioning when we have a man in the Oval Office that sincerely loves us and wants the best for this country? Why? People actually don't trust their own thoughts anymore? They HAVE TO believe the worst about President Obama?

We have a President the world community embraces, including communist nations, and that is a bad thing? Huh?

We are seeing more movement by other nations into venues of democratic principles than we ever witnessed before and that is bad for us?

In Iran alone, the change in openness is resulting while the moderates are finding voice again in their political, government and religious institutions. That is a fact. It is happening WITHOUT a single hostile word spoken by President Obama or Vice President Biden. No hate mongering, simply patience in support of democratic principles that are taking shape again. It is to the credit of the Iranian people and that is what is most astounding. While the world watches, the Iranian people are expressing their wishes openly. What could be better? No political grandstanding, simply patient resolve and watchful oversight. That is all the Iranian people need. Any words of hate would only villainize the very democratic principles we hope for within that country.

I think the populous of the USA is being 'handled' by a media empire that doesn't like to be questioned. What is really interesting is that we can't even blame the Health Care Industry Lobbyists this time. There has been no increase in spending by these lobbyists because of this new initiative as their was with, then First Lady and now Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, attempts to reform health care. No increase in lobbyist spending, yet the nation is falling apart in their understanding of the need for this legislation.

To put it into 'southern terms.' "Ya'll need to stop."

The reaction to the new Health Care Inititative is emotional. There is no reason for this overwrought sense of doom. No reason at all. Talk Radio has managed to instill a sense of demise to any American already 'on their last nerve' regarding issues of unemployment and economic trouble. Health care is an issue every American can relate to and that fact is being used at an emotional level to undermine the confidence the American people displayed so admirably in November of 2008.

"Stop now." There is no reason to feel as though 'the wheels are falling off the nation' and Russia is going to invade. "Just stop." We are going to be alright. We are going to be more than alright. We are going to be great and this nation will have what it needs to perpetuate an economy the world can emulate.

This is change we have needed, wanted and now here it is at our doorstep and the 'old regime' is taking it hard. They aren't going quietly into the night. They are going kicking and screaming and throwing every weapon they have at us. OUR REVOLUTION is complete and they are still trying to undermine it.

Every voter that 'changed' the face of DC this time needs to be proud of their votes. They need to return to being proud of their new President. Barak Obama loves us. He sincerely does and he does not place ideology before what is best for the nation.

I trust our President. I trust our legislature and the majority of Democrats that are standing in the way of our nation's worst outcome. I am proud of them, all of them. We need to do this and we need to do it now. Lives will be saved and changed for the better when we are finished.

Jupiter is a gaseous planet with varying latitudes and directions of its surface. (Click here for film loop)

The Southern Pole of the planet has been noted to have a significant change in its surface, believed to be caused from the crash of a comet. It appears as though the planet literally swallowed the comet in its entirety without much trace except for the bright spot, probably the only traces of an explosion with the intense gas layer.

New NASA Images Indicate Object Hits Jupiter (click here)
July 20, 2009
Scientists have found evidence that another object has bombarded Jupiter, exactly 15 years after the first impacts by the comet Shoemaker-Levy 9.
Following up on a tip by an amateur astronomer, Anthony Wesley of Australia, that a new dark "scar" had suddenly appeared on Jupiter, this morning between 3 and 9 a.m. PDT (6 a.m. and noon EDT) scientists at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., using NASA's Infrared Telescope Facility at the summit of Mauna Kea, Hawaii, gathered evidence indicating an impact.
New infrared images show the likely impact point was near the south polar region, with a visibly dark "scar" and bright upwelling particles in the upper atmosphere detected in near-infrared wavelengths, and a warming of the upper troposphere with possible extra emission from ammonia gas detected at mid-infrared wavelengths.
"We were extremely lucky to be seeing Jupiter at exactly the right time, the right hour, the right side of Jupiter to witness the event. We couldn't have planned it better," said Glenn Orton, a scientist at JPL....


Size comparison of Earth to Jupiter. The comet impact is a fairly significant size.

The lack of fiscal discipline by Republicans over the past eight years has lead to dysfunctional priorities in military spending.

...The 58-40 vote (click title to entry - thank you) in the full Senate reversed a vote in the Armed Services Committee last month that would have added $1.75 billion to the defense budget next fiscal year to force the Air Force buy seven more of the air-to-air fighters. The Pentagon maintains it needs the money for higher priorities....

The proper name for this dysfunctional military spending is called corruption !

Economies cannot be based in 'unnecessary' spending on any item. It is a clear illustration of how change can be productive to the country and the economy.

...“I called Secretary Gates last week and yesterday we had a productive discussion in which he assured me of three key and persuasive facts: that the Pentagon’s shift in resources and priorities will have no adverse affects on Massachusetts workers whose skills are transferable from the F-22 to the F-35, that there will be no shortage of planes or equipment for the Massachusetts Air National Guard’s mission, and in fact that production of the F-35 could generate additional jobs for our experienced workforce," he added....

It is time to move on from the old rhetorical economy of the past. It is time to 'get on with it.'

West Virginia Patriots for Peace is siding with the Pentagon on this one! (click here)
Let's finally pass a budget that makes CUTS in military spending!
Pentagon chief Robert Gates proposed to cut the military budget by ending production of the F-22 fighter jet, a Cold War era fighter jet that epitomizes the bloated military budget. Now Congress is refusing to shut down production. Urge your senators to cut F-22 funding. In a late night vote last month, a House committee inserted funding for 12 new F-22 fighter jets into its military authorization bill, which has now been approved by the full House. Now a Senate committee has also voted to add more than $1 billion in funding for seven additional F-22s to its version of the bill. To pay for these new planes, the Senate is proposing to take money away from funds used to pay the salaries of soldiers.

Protectionist votes need to be red flags. The military isn't supposed to support an economy, it should be accommodated by it.

...The F-22 (click here) was designed in the 1980s to fight presumable Soviet fighter planes that had yet to be developed, and has suffered since its inception from flaws and budget overruns. It has never been flown over Iraq or Afghanistan. There is even a lawsuit, recently reopened, alleging that Lockheed Martin, producers of the jet, has knowingly supplied defective F-22s to the Air Force since 1995....

Everything on 30 years of Republican priorities is backwards. When the USA entered WWII, the economy 'had to tool up' for the war. It did it well. Peace time economies should reflect the needs of a nation, not a nation at war. The 'problem' with dysfunctional military spending that are protected by some members of Congress is that it maintains a preferential voter base. That was faciliated by Eisenhower's desire for a USA Military Industrial Complex. It isn't necessary. It has become a bad habit.

Economies should not exist to produce unneeded military measures. The needs of the military should be accommodated by the economy. Military research that brings better methods and equipment to any 'war theater' is always a good idea, especially when it is to protect soldiers. But, to produce military equipment for the sake of politics is a sincerely bad idea. It postpones the needs of Americans, both in the military and the civilian domain, today and in the future.

I really congratulate Secretary Gates for asking for changes to help the USA reduce budgets while enhancing domestic needs and policy. That is so wonderful I can hardly stand it.

Let's not forget what this is about and get the nation on track for health care that works.

The Republican plan for health care reform is always reactionary and always a focus on preserving profits at the cost of quality care. Americans need to stop shooting themselves in the foot. The 'push' by the Republicans 'this time' is an attempt to 'revive' The Contract with America mess that lead to an uptick in Republicans elected to Congress following the election of Former President Bill Clinton and ultimately the election of 2000 and the disasterous Bush/Cheney Administration.

Basically, THEY ARE DOING IT AGAIN !!!

The Republicans haven't been able to stop their slide on the slippery slope, health care is a basic concern to every American and where their scare tactics work. Don't do this again. Stop being scared of CHANGE. It is going to go well and the nation will be better for it.






The attack on the Health Care Reform Bill is all about 'playing the odds' that are validated by 'historical data.' It isn't about whether the Health Care Reform Bill is important or not, for the Republicans it is about getting their members back into Congress. They will take ANY topic and oppose it whether or not is is important to oppose it.

The longer the Republicans prolong the Health Care Reform Bill the better 'chance' they have in having more Republicans in Congress and defeating it entirely. Get over it America, this is necessary and best for the country, no different than the Energy Bills and the Carbon Dioxide Control measures. It is time and we have a President willing and ABLE to get it done right.

Michael Steele is a liar without a plan, except, one to delay the need for reform and change.

In June (click title to entry - thank you), the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee raised $7.1 million versus $3.1 million for the National Republican Congressional Committee. The NRCC had announced receipts of $7.2 million from a VIP-studded fundraising dinner last month, but much of the money was in pledges yet to be collected.
Since World War II, the party in the White House has lost an average of 16 House seats in midterm elections held two years into a new presidency. The GOP would need 40 to overtake the Democrats, who now have a 256-178 majority. Getting there is improbable, but not impossible. In 1994, starting from a similar deficit, Republicans picked up 54 seats.

For the Republicans, it is all about 'playing the odds.' For nervous Democrats is it about surviving the 'odds' and dealing with 'nervous voters.'

It is time to 'get it done!'

The Space Program has been good for the USA. This was a remarkable mile stone.

Tomorrow is proving to bring a safer set of values to vehicles, rather than an economic 'ideal' of recycled space craft. Exploration and discovery aren't 'economically' motivated venues. Crews are not expendable by even 'fractional' margins.

The Constellation Program is NASA's initiative to return humans to the Moon -- this time to stay. It includes a constellation of new space vehicles: a new crew exploration vehicle, Orion, to carry crew and cargo; two new launch vehicles -- the Ares I rocket to carry Orion to low earth orbit and the Ares V heavy lift rocket to launch the Earth departure stage, a lunar lander, and lunar surface exploration vehicles and habitat modules. (click here)

The 'advance' of humans into space should not have been abandoned.

There is, however, decension regarding exploration beyond Earth even amoung those that work within the Space Program. It is felt by some in NASA, that the 'solar winds' of the Sun ("Sol"), will not allow deep space exploration by humans. It is a debate that should be known to all citizens of the USA. Space is a void in many ways, but, it is not a complete void.

But, to simply stop the curiosity and the inquisition has harmed the ambitions of the USA. Sometimes the inquiry is more important than the lack of it.

The most incredible and little discussed fact of July 21, 1969, was the world's reaction to the moon landing. The world stopped. People gathered around any television or monitor they could find, regardless of country or city, to view the first human step onto Earth's satellite. We were more 'human' together at that moment than ever before in history. I believe the astronauts of Apollo 11 accomplished something no world leader has been able to achieve before or since. That was nearly more interesting than the accomplishment.

It is still a uniquely American achievement. No other country has been able to match it or has even tried.

He placed his left foot on the surface at 2:56 UTC July 21, 1969, then spoke the following:

“That's one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind."

More Republican Exploitation of the American People STOPPED - Salazar Protects Grand Canyon Watersheds From New Uranium Claims and Exploration

Bush/Cheney buoyed their economy with any exploitation available of the people of the USA. Three were no limits to the danger they were placing the American people in the path of, they didn't care. They wanted money, nothing else. An economy at any cost isn't necessary and certainly isn't the highest priority of the Obama Administration.

What isn't being counted in the media are the lives being changed and saved by the current Democratic Administration and Congress.


This remote and unspoiled, 294,000-acre monument is a geologic treasure, containing Paria Plateau, Vermilion Cliffs, Coyote Buttes and Paria Canyon. Elevations range from 3,100 to 6,500 feet.
Located on the Colorado Plateau in northern Arizona, Vermilion Cliffs National Monument includes the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness. The monument borders Kaibab National Forest to the west and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area to the east.


Aspen in the Kaibab National Forest



Order Temporarily Bans New Uranium Claims and Exploration Across 1 Million Acres of Public Land Surrounding Grand Canyon National Park (click title to entry - thank you)
GRAND CANYON, Ariz.— Conservationists are applauding a notice issued today by the Obama administration to temporarily place 1 million acres of public lands surrounding Grand Canyon off limits to new mining claims and exploration or development of existing, unpatented claims. The order complies with a June 2008 resolution by the House Committee on Natural Resources enacting the same protections across the same area. The protections do not affect three existing mines in the area slated for reopening or the exploration of existing patented claims.
Uranium prices have caused sharp increases in new uranium mining claims, exploration, and permitting to reopen old mines on public lands surrounding Grand Canyon National Park. Uranium development threatens to damage wildlife habitat, industrialize iconic wildlands, and contaminate surface water and groundwater feeding regional water wells, seeps, springs and the Colorado River — prompting concerns from former Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, the Southern Nevada Water Authority, the Arizona Game and Fish Department, the Navajo, Hopi, Havasupai, Hualapai, and Kaibab Paiute tribes, Coconino County officials, and independent geologists.
“Secretary Salazar’s decision secures a much-needed, but temporary respite from thousands of new uranium claims around the Grand Canyon,” said Grand Canyon Trust spokesman Roger Clark. “For permanent protection, Congress now needs to pass the Grand Canyon Watersheds Protection Act.”
Today’s order aligns the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management direction with the 25 June 2008 resolution by the House Committee on Natural Resources, which directed the secretary of the interior to enact an “emergency withdrawal,” banning new claims and exploration across the 1 million acres for three years. The Center for Biological Diversity, Grand Canyon Trust, and Sierra Club filed suit against the Department of the Interior and Bureau of Land Management in September 2008 for authorizing uranium exploration in violation of the withdrawal. The groups are evaluating how today’s action affects that pending litigation.
“We are pleased to see Secretary Salazar take this action to protect the lands around Grand Canyon and the Colorado River, which provides the drinking water for millions of people downstream,” said Sandy Bahr, chapter director for the Sierra Club’s Grand Canyon Chapter. “Our waters and special places such as Grand Canyon deserve strong protections.”...

The USA military is not needed in Iraq. Iraq has plenty of 'regional' support.

...In a sharp attack on Iranian leaders last Friday (click here), former President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani warned those in power to "abide by the will of the people" and heal the wounds of the recent crisis....


Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad (right) and former President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani in friendlier times (click title to entry - thank you)




Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki (R) and Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed Sabah al-Salem al-Sabah walk to attend the Third Expanded Ministerial Conference of the Neighbouring Countries of Iraq in Kuwait City, Kuwait, April 22, 2008. Egypt, Gulf Cooperation Council members, the G8 countries, five UN Security Council permanent members, the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Conference attended the meeting on Tuesday.(Xinhua Photo)












The 'new' economy to Iraq's central government could very well 'set it free' from the Autonomous Kurdish northern province. There is one aspect to any government in the region, the 'Holy Places' will always remain a source of security and economy.



French Prime Minister Visits Iraq to Talk Business (click title to entry - thank you)
By Edward Yeranian Cairo


02 July 2009


...French Prime Minister Francois Fillon is the first foreign leader to visit Iraq since US-led forces officially withdrew combat troops from Iraqi cities on June 30.


He told a joint press conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki that in the wake of the U.S. pullout, Iraq had "now entered a new phase."


Mr. Fillon arrived in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, with a large delegation of French officials and top French business leaders for a short visit. The French prime minister's office said several business agreements would be signed during the visit....









Al-Maliki, boosted by U.S. pullback, to call on Obama (click here)
By MIKE THARP
McClatchy Newspapers
BAGHDAD -- Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki will meet President Barack Obama in Washington on Wednesday wearing several robes: the popular leader of an American ally, the prime minister of an increasingly independent-minded country, a follower of the same branch of Islam that's practiced in Iran and a political candidate.
The man who'd been the default compromise for Iraq's top post in 2006 has emerged as the strongest officeholder since Saddam Hussein.
He's tamed sectarian and other violence to its lowest level since the U.S.-led invasion six years ago. He's politely but firmly refused U.S. offers to help resolve a stalemate in his parliament. In handling security issues, he's told the American military, in effect: Don't call us; we'll call you....









We do not belong in the middle of a civil war. We don't belong in the middle of rising political ethnic rhetoric. It is wrong for any political leader to victimize any ethnic group to gain popularity within another. The USA cannot possibly villanize any ethnic group against any other.









In Iraq, Kurdish-Arab Tensions Simmer (click here for audio)
by Quil Lawrence


...The president of the autonomous Iraqi Kurdish region says ethnic tension is driving Iraq's Kurds and the central government in Baghdad dangerously close to confrontation.
Massoud Barzani, the Kurdish region's president, also tells NPR that whoever wants to get ahead in Iraqi politics does it by criticizing the Kurds....

Bush/Cheney placed trust in the "W"rong person. They trusted Musharraf. Bad idea.

...The deadliest fighting took place in the northern Swat Valley (click title to entry - thank you), where the army is wrapping up an offensive against Taliban militants. The military said in a statement it killed 12 suspected insurgents in a gunbattle near the town of Dardial, while one officer died. Two more militants were killed in the village of Ghul Shah....

Clinton says 9/11 ringleaders are in Pakistan (click here)
(AP) – 4 hours ago
NEW DELHI — U.S. officials "firmly believe" that al-Qaida leaders who planned and carried out the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, are hiding in Pakistan near its border with Afghanistan, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said Monday.
At a news conference concluding three days of meetings, Clinton said Washington has told the Pakistani government what it believes about the location of al-Qaida leaders on its soil.
"With respect to the location of those who were part of the planning and execution of the attack of 9/11 against our country, we firmly believe that a significant number of them are in the border area of Pakistan," she said when asked about the U.S. view.
"We are actively looking for additional information that would lead us to them," she added.
The Pakistani government denies that al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden and his senior lieutenants are hiding on its territory.
Bin Laden is believed to have fled into Pakistan from Afghanistan weeks after the U.S. military invaded Afghanistan in October 2001 in retaliation for the 9/11 attacks.

I thank ABC News for putting our country first and considering the POW status of one soldier their mission. Thank you.

Exclusive: Missing U.S. Soldier May Be in Pakistan (click here)
Pfc. Bowe Bergdahl Kidnapped by Taliban in Afghanistan

By MATTHEW COLE

July 20, 2009

The U.S. soldier kidnapped by Taliban forces in Afghanistan may have been taken across the border to Pakistan, complicating efforts to obtain his release, according to two people involved in U.S. and Afghan military efforts to locate him, and three Afghan soldiers captured with him....

Gunmen Kill UN Worker, Guard at Pakistan Refugee Camp (click here)
By VOA News 16 July 2009
United Nations officials said a Pakistani employee has been killed and his guard wounded during a kidnapping attempt in a refugee camp in northwest Pakistan.

U.N. officials said Zil-e-Usman was working at the Kacha Garhi camp near the city of Peshawar when gunmen tried to kidnap him and then shot him in the chest. The U.N. worker was rushed to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. A guard working for another aid agency also was killed in the crossfire....

The prolonging of the Iraq Occupation by the USA military is causing increased casualties in Afghanistan.

NATO: British fighter jet crashes at Afghan base (click title to entry - thank you)
By JASON STRAZIUSO
Associated Press Writer
KABUL -- A British fighter jet crashed inside NATO's largest base in southern Afghanistan on Monday in the second major crash there in two days. Fourteen Afghan civilians died in two incidents, including three killed when German troops opened fire on their vehicle, Afghan officials said.
The Royal Air Force GR4 Tornado crashed inside Kandahar Airfield during takeoff at 7:20 a.m. Afghanistan time (0250 GMT; 22:50 Sunday EDT), said Capt. Ruben Hoornveld, a spokesman for the NATO-led force. The two-member crew ejected and were being treated for unspecified injuries at the base hospital.
The Tornado is the fourth aircraft to go down in Afghanistan in three days and the sixth this month. Military officials say there doesn't appear to be a common reason for the spate of crashes beyond coincidence....


US: 4 US troops die in Afghanistan (click here)
(AP) – 4 hours ago
KABUL — NATO says four more Americans have been killed in Afghanistan, making July the deadliest month ever for U.S. troops in this war.
A NATO statement says the four died Monday when a roadside bomb exploded in eastern Afghanistan. The statement does not give nationalities, but U.S. spokesman Lt. Robert Carr confirms all four were Americans.
At least 30 U.S. troops have now died this month — two more than the toll for June 2008, which had been the deadliest month for the American force in Afghanistan.
At least 55 international troops have been killed in Afghanistan in July, the deadliest month of the war for the NATO mission.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE.
Check back soon for further information.
AP's earlier story is below.

KABUL (AP) — NATO says four more American troops have been killed in Afghanistan.
A NATO statement says the four died Monday when a roadside bomb exploded in eastern Afghanistan. The statement does not give nationalities, but U.S. spokesman Lt. Robert Carr confirms all four were Americans.
No further details were released. A British soldier was killed Sunday in southern Afghanistan.
Those deaths bring to at least 55 the number of international troops killed in Afghanistan in July, the deadliest month of the war for the NATO mission.
At least 30 U.S. troops have died this month — three more than the death toll for September 2008 which had been the deadliest month for the American force in Afghanistan.
(This version CORRECTS that the previous deadliest month for US troops in Afghanistan was June 2008, not September 2008.)

Steady as it goes. Proof is in the putting. The Right Wing Attack is scaring Americans.

The economy is better. Jobs are preserved and there are new ones being generated. The Right Wing is on the attack and there is every indication they intend and have intended to do harm to the country. Americans are not safe under their guidance.

The FCC needs to examine the licenses of Talk Radio and pull some priviledges, because, what I heard today is simply unbelievably dangerous.

Let's start with some good news. It doesn't matter what indicator one looks at the USA GDP is up this quarter as compared to last quarter.

USA GDP

The Last Quarter of 2008 it fell (negative) at an astounding rate by 6.3% based on value of a 2000 USA Dollar.

At the close of the First Quarter of 2009 (ONLY 70 days after President Obama's inauguration) a definitive slowing of the recession was noted with a loss (negative) of 5.5% against a 2000 USA dollar.

The Obama Stimulus was more than necessary, it was vital and is having a significant impact. Not only that but we are also witnessing 'up spring' economies in Green Industries. The landscape of the American Economy is changing and it is taking place quickly. The Obama Stimulus was passed in February. In less than five months we are already seeing the NEW and vital focus to our economy and it is more than promising. The incredible aspect to this is there is far more to come. We are getting our country back on our terms. And what do we know about the USA economy, the wider the tax base the greater the income to the Treasury and the higher the capacity of the country to absorb debt. We are doing great.

Now, on to the Right Wing propaganda.

I regularly listen to the garbage that is put out by the Right Wing Talk Radio. However. When I listen it is through somewhat innocent ears. Those ears always figure these people actually have facts to back them up and they know somewhat of what they speak.

I gave them validity in their point of view, but, that changed today. They have convinced me they are harmful to Americans and incite anger without regard to the dangers such advocacy brings. I am dead serious when I state, the FCC needs to roll back the lies that harm Americans through these programs and they should do it now.

Getting away from the hate they have of Americans by advocating the lack of affordable health care for a nation of beseiged by a system that doesn't work; I would like to mention a 'talk session' today that advocated complete and absolute danger to Americans without an apology for the hatred it brought of OUR government.

It was a conversation about 'The Stimulus.' It went like this. "I went to a website that lists all the SPENDING of the Obama Stimulus. In there was a half a million dollars for a traffic light near a military base. Can you imagine that? A traffic light near a military base and it cost nearly half a million to install it. The Obama people actually call this a stimulus. Tell me how that is a stimulus." (The commentator was dead serious.) He went on. "That is not a stimulus, that doesn't stimulate anything. If you want to stimulate an economy you remove traffic lights, not erect them. When a traffic light is removed it causes stimulus to insurance claims, body shops and all sorts of cash flow."

I thought it was a joke. So I listened for the punch line. There was no punch line. Basically, this commentator was stating the best stimulus for the USA economy was to remove taxes from government and place the money back in the pockets of Americans to gamble with their lives.

It was like a veil of 'imagineering' was lifted. The commentator simply continued with his anger and rhetoric and invited those listening to join in and they did. I could not believe my ears and all the pieces started to fall into place.

Reflecting on the years of Bush/Cheney there were issues of higher arsenic levels in drinking water, more and more loosening of controls of pharmaceuticals and safety margins for Americans, the issues surrounding Vioxx and all those so called miracle drugs, the ever escalating dangers in our food supply and the increasingly disasterous industry called health care.

The fuel to the fire of the housing industry, the loss of natural areas for the sake of building and I mean building anything. It was done with the idea that people were expendible in any aspect of life. That citizens weren't important, the money that freely flowed through an economy of NEGLECT was important. Guns. The militarization of citizens, the idea that bullet barrages by our police would ultimately be necessary in an 'armed' society all came into clear view.

The degradation of our public schools, the ever increasing gap between the wealthy and the middle class which was creating a ever greater of impoverishment; including the inability to attend colleges. The placement of jobs overseas to increase the bottom line of corporations while the USA Middle Class slid from sight. All the neglect that was legislated by Republicans during the Bush/Cheney years all made sense. It wasn't 'a plan' for a better more economically viable America, it was impoverishing the people so they would have to struggle and survive.

No more government for the wealthy to SUBSIDIZE, but, only a Middle Class sinking lower and lower in their ability to survive the day and turning to the only 'government' driven economy that was left; the military. I don't want to demonize the military. Every country needs one, but, only in 'balance' with a healthy economy, not as the 'only' economy. Why not a forever war if that is all that was going to be subsidized by the government? Why not be the country that was attempting to destroy borders of other countries for their natural resources? I mean why not?

The point is that when the Right Wing 'rants' about how "W"rong the Obama Administrative is, they are simply ranting because they have lost control over their ability to 'decentralize' government to return money to their coffers. Their ranting has no basis in truth, it has no viability and it harms the American people.

The darnest thing is that they really do hate us. They really do hate the Americans that believe taxes are necessary, a healthy economy is one that is regulated to support the Middle Class and uplift those in poverty. They simply hate us.

The FCC needs to begin to eliminate the media of hate that propagates fear in order to maintain control. When a public is fearful of anything INCLUDING 'change' it brings them to the side of those that see the same 'fear' as legitimate and foster it for their own gain. There should be no media service that allows the degradation of government and endangers the public.

It was the sorriest broadcast I think I ever heard. Wow. Are my blinders off and I see no merit to their programming, at all, anymore. It is a darn shame the only way an opposing political party can exist is by 'imagineering' a Golden Ring on a Merry-Go-Round of fear, progagated by hate.

American POW Pfc. Bowe R. Bergdahl is being used for propaganda purposes against the laws of The Geneva Conventions

AP Top News at 2:39 p.m. EDT (click title to entry - thank you)
(AP) – 24 minutes ago
HAILEY, Idaho — A soldier from Idaho who disappeared from his base in Afghanistan has been captured, the Pentagon confirmed Sunday, a day after he was seen in a Taliban video posted online. The Defense Department released the name of Pfc. Bowe (pronounced BOH) R. Bergdahl, 23, who was serving with an Alaska-based infantry regiment. The private was last seen walking away from his base near the border with Pakistan in an area known to be a Taliban stronghold.

"Morning Papers" - Its Origins

The Rooster

"Okeydoke"

He remained influential throughout his life.

Walter Cronkite in Vietnam interviewing Professor Mai of the University of Hue for CBS

For television journalists, newsman was dedicated to craft with touch of humor (click title to entry - thank you)
By Joanna Weiss
Globe Staff

July 18, 2009

...“In 1976, I was a young reporter [for WBZ] standing in line in Manchester, N.H., waiting for my Secret Service credentials,’’ said Dan Rea, a veteran Boston journalist and WBZ News radio host. “It was a long line, and all the young reporters were moaning about standing there. We turned a corner and saw the head of the line, and I remember seeing that about five or six people in front of us was Walter Cronkite.
“We were just the juniors and we were all complaining, and there was Walter standing there, patient, waiting for his credentials like the rest of us,’’ he said. “It was when he was at the height of his game. I’ll never forget that.’’...

The weather in Antarctica is interesting. The loop at title shows 24 hours with gaps.

The most notable issue of these maps is the lack of sincere frigid air over Antarctica. This is the 199th day of the year 2009. Antarctica is mostly shroded in darkness.

I think Mawson, an Australian Research Station, reports about 3 hours of light this time of year. I have a 'daylight graph,' to present an 'idea' of the degree 'solar radiation' is exposing the ice continent to warmth.

The 'sunlight graph' above is from the year 2002. It is safe to say the sun ("Sol") hasn't changed its patterns much since then.

There are so many issues I can write about here. The most outstanding is the lack of the reporting station Vostok. It has not been 'online' for some time now. It was the highest of the reporting stations on an ice continent with increased 'ice quake' activity over recent years. It had drilled through 3 miles (above sea level) of ice to Lake Vostok and now we don't hear a word about that research station. It is a worry, as the next highest research station is Clean Air at 9285 feet above sea level, which is at least 2000 feet lower than Vostok. We miss the Russians and their research station and are worried to their outcome.

That concern for scientists very dedicated to their science should really sum up a reality that exists on that continent.

There is an area of frigid air at Clean Air, but, the peninsula is stil very, very warm considering the time of year.

July 18, 2009
0600 PM utc
Antarctica Surface Wind Map (click here for 24 hour loop with gaps)


July 18, 2009
1928 gmt
Antarctica/South Pole Infrared Satellite Image

The map is especially illustrates the lack of profound frigid air over Antarctica compared to other similar maps on this blog at the same time of year or approximate time of year. It is time to get real. We have a friend in The Oval Office for once. A sincere friend that believes in the science and the emergency.


July 18, 2009
1800 gmt
Jet Stream/Vortex Map (48 hour loop)

One can note from this map there is significant turbulence/wind in the upper troposphere with velocities of 110 mph or 50 miles per second with occassional velocities at 140 mph.

August 18, 2009
0600 PM
Temperature Map (click title to entry for 24 hour loop - thank you)

The Coldest Reporting Station

Antarctica, Clean Air

Local Time: 10:19 PM GMT (GMT +00)

Lat/Lon: 89.9° S 0.0° W

Elevation :: 9285 ft

Temperature :: - 89 Fahrenheit

Conditions :: Blowing Ice Crystals and Snow

Wind :: 14 mph from the east

Pressure :: 28.08 in (Falling)

Visibility :: 1.0 mile

UV :: 0 of 16 ( there is no sunlight, okay?)

Clouds :: Few - 6000 feet
(Above Ground Level)
　

Warmest Reporting Station

Base Marambio

Lat/Lon: 64.2° S 56.7° W

Local Time: 10:31 PM GMT (GMT +00)

Elevation :: 650 ft

Temperature :: 40 Fahrenheit

Conditions :: Clear

Humidity :: 43%

Dew Point :: 25 Fahrenheit

Wind :: 22 mph from the Southwest

Pressure :: 29.46 inches (Rising)

Visibility :: 6.0 miles

Clouds :: Scattered Clouds at 19,6985 feet
(Above Ground Level)